I don't think the obvious tag applies, as the article points out that the teen was ignorant about how trains work outside of his native country. He didn't know to "first determine if the rail is live" because his world view only included diesel and coal powered trains.

So was this guy trying to listen to the third rail, or do British trains have live current in the running rails? On the trains around here, I'm pretty sure nothing would happen if you touch the running rails, but the occasional bum gets fried on the third rail from time to time.

micah1701:I don't think the obvious tag applies, as the article points out that the teen was ignorant about how trains work outside of his native country. He didn't know to "first determine if the rail is live" because his world view only included diesel and coal powered trains.

Perhaps the sad tag would be more appropriate.

I have to admit, I don't remember a lot of signage at the stops, for the El in Chicago, but I don't think there are a lot of "rail listeners" here. There was one drunk guy, about 20 years ago, who decided to take a piss on the 3rd rail, and Darwin nodded with approval that night.

he wanted to be more educated...yep because dad was not smart enough to teach about electricityhe wanted to be a goodconductorear condoms will now be a thing therewas probably told your train is late because it is not here yetgreat now its going to be much later for everyonehow did he know what his train sounded like?

friedo:So was this guy trying to listen to the third rail, or do British trains have live current in the running rails? On the trains around here, I'm pretty sure nothing would happen if you touch the running rails, but the occasional bum gets fried on the third rail from time to time.

I'm a bit confused about that as well. I'm sure some Farker will edumacate us.

Kind of a tragic story. In the "first world" people don't jump onto the tracks quite so casually so this isn't a problem. It's sort of interesting how the norms in other countries would lead someone to their death like this.

does anyone have a picture of the tracks in the article? Are there 2 or 3 rails on the line? A 3rd rail would be a dead giveaway, but if they have some other weird system, then I "might" be able to understand this.

Maul555:so I did a little bit of googling, and aparrently this is what rail lines in the UK look like:

[photos.wikimapia.org image 640x480]

godstone:[s0.geograph.org.uk image 640x430]

As you can see, there is clearly a 3rd rail, but it is not running down the center. It is weirdly offset so it runs right next to one of the tracks...

That's how most third rails are made. I know the Tube has a weird system with two power rails (one goes down the center) but the intercity trains in the UK are basically the same as most other third rail systems, with the power rail off to the side.

Maul555:so I did a little bit of googling, and aparrently this is what rail lines in the UK look like:

[photos.wikimapia.org image 640x480]

godstone:[s0.geograph.org.uk image 640x430]

As you can see, there is clearly a 3rd rail, but it is not running down the center. It is weirdly offset so it runs right next to one of the tracks...

DC's metro system also doesn't run down the center, It's on the outside of the two track rails. Although the 3rd rail at the stations (at least) usually has a plastic panel above it to cover and distinguish it.

maxximillian:Maul555: so I did a little bit of googling, and aparrently this is what rail lines in the UK look like:

As you can see, there is clearly a 3rd rail, but it is not running down the center. It is weirdly offset so it runs right next to one of the tracks...

DC's metro system also doesn't run down the center, It's on the outside of the two track rails. Although the 3rd rail at the stations (at least) usually has a plastic panel above it to cover and distinguish it.

maxximillian:Maul555: so I did a little bit of googling, and aparrently this is what rail lines in the UK look like:

[photos.wikimapia.org image 640x480]

godstone:[s0.geograph.org.uk image 640x430]

As you can see, there is clearly a 3rd rail, but it is not running down the center. It is weirdly offset so it runs right next to one of the tracks...

DC's metro system also doesn't run down the center, It's on the outside of the two track rails. Although the 3rd rail at the stations (at least) usually has a plastic panel above it to cover and distinguish it.

I see... I think I may have been around a 3rd rail line once in my life while traveling... Any rail tracks in my area are for freight or the occasional amtrack train, but even I know that if I see a 3rd rail that I should cut a wide berth around the tracks...

Maul555:so I did a little bit of googling, and aparrently this is what rail lines in the UK look like:

[photos.wikimapia.org image 640x480]

godstone:[s0.geograph.org.uk image 640x430]

As you can see, there is clearly a 3rd rail, but it is not running down the center. It is weirdly offset so it runs right next to one of the tracks...

That doesn't look like a electrified rail. It doesn't appear to be insulated from the ground, and doesn' t seem to have any thing to to prevent someone from placing their ear on it. Could it be for two different guage railways?

AugieDoggyDaddy:That doesn't look like a electrified rail. It doesn't appear to be insulated from the ground, and doesn' t seem to have any thing to to prevent someone from placing their ear on it. Could it be for two different guage railways?

Actually, the top photo shows the third rail is raised a bit, just like the Chicago L or any other "over-running" third rail, where the contact shoe runs over the top of the rail.

Under-running third rail systems (like at Grand Central Terminal in New York City) can be safer, since the third rail can be covered from above. Still, if you jump onto the tracks, don't be surprised if Uncle Chuck decides to pay a visit.